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If you wander down 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, you'll come across the Boring Store. From the outside, the sign reads Not a Secret Agent Supply Store. Walk inside and you'll see a retail space devoted to super fun spy supplies. But there's more going on at the Boring Store.

The Boring Store is actually a front. In the "back room" of the boring store there's a giant classroom and educational area. The Boring Store is a part of the 826 organization, and they offer a variety of creative writing, tutoring and creative educational programs for kids age 6 to 18. For FREE.

826Chi students get to publish their own books, get writing, photography and other creative education from professionals who are world renowned in their crafts.

We are inspired by this organization because they've taken an incredibly unique approach to marketing, fundraising and connecting with their community. Each of their locations features an equally creative storefront. The retail sales support the programs that take place in the classrooms, while offering a window to what's actually going on.

It's true. We shopped the Boring Store (and bought some FUN toys and gifts) while peeking in on a classroom of kids going through a super fun writing exercise. How many non-profits have you given to where you saw the results in front of your eyes??

Other non-profits can learn from the 826 organization and know that it's ok to be unique. Just because you're a non-profit doesn't mean that you have to be "boring." Sometimes it's ok to visit the back side of boring.

If you're not in Chicago, that's ok - you can visit one of the many other 826 locations across the nation. And if you're in Chi-town, know that there's something going on at that North Milwaukee store. Something more than boring.

(See more of the boring store and an interview with their top secret agent on the PlaidNation Chicago wrapup video.)

Labels: boring store, chicago, nonprofit

posted by darryl ohrt at 8:23 AM 0 Comments

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Thanks to Charlie from Curve (Detroit's hottest agency) we were shown a side of Detroit that's not shared with tourists, business people or most other visitors to the city. He called us with our meeting plan: "Here's the address where we'll meet. Be prepared that this will appear to be a rough neighborhood. I don't want you to be surprised when you arrive."

Charlie was right. After driving through neighborhood after neighborhood of places where most would uneasily lock their doors, we arrived at Lahser Rd. Within minutes we spied a pretty awesome street sculpture. Charlie arrived about 60 seconds later.

Like the Mayor of Detroit, Charlie gave us a personal tour of the recently restored Redford Theater (beautious beyond belief), and what can only be described as a secret artist's village. We walked through a mechanic's garage that led into a series of spaces that have been given to the community. Artists Village, indeed.

Art studios, makeshift theater spaces, learning centers, gardens, courtyards and an endless sea of art, sculpture and inspiration. A collapsed building roof creates an opportunistic courtyard. Walls of blight are canvas. He told us about the history of Blight Busters, and pointed to several projects still in the works.

The neighborhood is inspiring to anyone. Artists, entrepreneurs, urban planners, architects and sociologists. If you live in Detroit and haven't seen this, we suggest a trip downtown. If you're visiting the motor city, call Charlie. We all left knowing that we had seen something very, very special.

Thanks, Charlie!

Labels: architecture, detroit, nonprofit

posted by darryl ohrt at 8:44 PM 0 Comments